IN PHOTOS: The Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) hosted a benchmarking activity with the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) - Queen Pineapple Research and Development Institute (QPRDI) on February 3, 2025.
Atty. Lucieden G. Raz, DOST-FNRI Deputy Director/Director III and Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Director, warmly welcomed the CNSC-QPRDI delegation led by led by Dr. Arlene C. Alegre, Director of CNSC-QPRD. This was followed by a Briefing-Orientation on DOST-FNRI Programs and Services, delivered by Ms. Lhearnie M. Carranza, Science Research Specialist II.
Ms. Divorah V. Aguila, Planning Officer IV, continued the discussions by outlining DOST-FNRI’s program activities, its project formulation processes, and its approach to food and nutrition research and development.
Further enriching the session, Ms. Trinidad II T. Arcangel, Supervising Science Research Specialist, provided an in-depth look at DOST-FNRI’s food product development process—from conceptualization to commercialization. She emphasized how the institute translates research findings and national nutrition survey data into innovative food products aimed at addressing malnutrition.
These presentations were followed by an engaging Q&A session, allowing the CNSC-QPRDI team to discuss key takeaways and explore collaboration opportunities.
Dr. Milflor S. Gonzales, Chief Science Research Specialist, delivered the closing message, highlighting avenues for potential partnerships, including DOST-FNRI’s Contract Research and Product Analysis services.
The visit concluded with a tour of DOST-FNRI’s facilities, including the Service Laboratory, Sensory Evaluation Laboratory, Nutrition Physiology Laboratory, Nutritional Genomics Laboratory, and the “Oh My Gulay” (OMG) Garden. The tour offered a firsthand look at DOST-FNRI’s cutting-edge research and development operations.
